Not sure what to do...

Went to my Dr's office last week, was told I needed to go see the MFM cause I'm high risk. Which I knew already. I saw one with my son 3 yrs ago, and welcomed all the tests/screens/etc. I just loved seeing him on u/s and did what my Dr's suggested.

This time... I'm more Meh. I know if something was found out via a screening, I wouldn't terminate. I wouldn't have with my son either. I just really don't feel like I need to see the MFM doctor, or get any special u/s, etc.

I do plan on the spina bifida test, but with all other screenings I'm just like... why bother?

I have an appt scheduled on Thurs with the MFM, to which I think they're doing the NT scan and a detailed look at the heart.

I'm trying to decide if I want to cancel, or if I should go to the appt and talk to the MFM about all of it to get his opinion, and discuss not having all the extra screenings done. And if I wouldn't terminate, than whats the purpose of having them done. Also... what are the reasons for going to the high risk dr? Cause I really don't know. Extra monitoring... for what, and what would the solutions be if something was found.

Haha... not sure if this post makes much sense. I'm just looking for other high risk moms to weigh in. Why go to the high risk doc, what are they finding out that my reg doc won't find, and if they find something, what does it change? Nothing, just knowing there's an issue, right?

What makes you high risk? I would consult with the specialist and take it from there. We chose the no testing route except for the 20 week ultrasound, I always get nervous if this is the right decision. But it is what I did last time. Regardless, I am wishing you a happy healthy baby.

It makes sense to me. I am not really high risk, except my health. I am getting a bit of extra monitoring through blood workups (vitamin and hormone levels) and US.

However, I decided against the NT Scan and Quad screening. I figure, they can give me only a percentage of a chance of something happening, I am not getting amnio or any more in depth testing so I am opting out of what would just make me nervous.

I figure my OB said that the anatomy scan will show any major problems that may need immediate care after birth. So I am opting out of the more extensive lists of tests.

One last thing, my sister got the NT Scan and Quad screening they gave her a very high rate of having a baby with downs. I know she worried herself sick, but refused the amnio to confirm, she thought it was too invasive. You know what, her baby boy is so healthy and active she cannot imagine she worried so much. So I figure I will leave the worry to someone else and take life more as it comes.

I agree with pp's and Op. I also am an older mom, so more tests this time around were offered too and I have the same thought, that I wouldn't terminate, so why find out? But it would be good to have specialists ready if needed at birth, and maybe mentally prepare yourself too, but otherwise, not sure.

The testing is for information purposes only! And I agree if they'd need a certain doctor on hand at birth for any said reason... But I am hoping all is well and they are just being precarious! May I ask why you are considered high risk?

I agree with rktitak! My first baby was born with Downs. I had the AFP test and it said there was a 2% chance of Downs then it was run again and said it was normal. I never had any other tests with my other kids. I did have a couple ultrasounds to check out all the baby's organs.

I am not going to do the NT scan and bloodwork but I am going to have the ultrasound part of it to check things out at this point to make sure things look right on for the baby.

Good luck in your decision! if nothing if going to change your mind then I would just do what you feel is right!! There's other gals out there like you!!

I would see if you really need extra monitoring if nothing is found at the nt or the anatomy scan. I'm kind of in the same boat, but for different risk reasons. I have to see a high risk ob because of existing high bp and prior pre e, and I have to go in every two weeks right now. It's irritating because I know they really can't do anything if symptoms start to appear, just watch me even more. I feel like the doc is wasting my time, but I don't want to look like an obstinate patient and refuse to go in quite as often. I would just have the mfm look over the ultrasound and go from there. If nothing is showing up, the extra monitoring is just redundant.

I agree with the PPs that the main benefit would be knowing if the baby would need special care once born...one of my friends had a baby diagnosed with a severe heart defect in utero and so she knew she needed to deliver at a hospital with a level 3 NICU. Another benefit would be knowing if there is something to watch with YOU. For example, I am being watched for placenta previa and placenta accreta. They can monitor things like cervix length, amniotic fluid (too high or too low), etc. You can just let the MFM know where you stand on information and that you maybe want some tests (the extra u/s or the NSTs) but not others that you fear will just freak you out (like the NT etc.).

Also, you were not saying this, but I will just put in the plug for those of us who prefer to get screening tests - it does not mean that those who get screening tests would terminate if there is something off. It just means that people feel comfortable with different levels of information. For some, knowing more would lead them to not enjoy the pregnancy, whereas for others, not knowing could spoil the birth and bring on sudden grief when a "problem" is discovered at birth. All of us love our babies, whether we do the testing or not. Again, I know you were absolutely not implying otherwise. I just see that viewpoint thrown out there a lot on these boards so putting my own plug in! I say talk to the MFM and let them know your thoughts. Then you can both come to a compromise that is comfortable for you and your baby.

I would also NOT terminate based on anything but a 100% fatal diagnosis, but - if they do find something like a heart condition that can be operated on in utero? Giving the baby a chance to heal before developing further? I would take that.

It's all down to your level of comfort and doesn't have to be about termination. In utero operations for defects are becoming more common - it can give you more options and more time to make medical decisions when you learn earlier.